Use an encrypted protocol supported by your hosting account. FTPS is FTP protected by TLS, while SFTP runs over SSH; they are different services and an additional FTP user does not automatically have SFTP access.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Check access and requirements
Obtain the correct hostname, username, protocol and port from the service details. Use a restricted account for routine uploads where possible. Have a trusted certificate or SSH host-key fingerprint available for first-connection verification.
01 Connect FileZilla to hosting with FTPS or SFTP
- Open File > Site Manager in FileZilla and create a clearly labelled site entry.
- For FTPS, select FTP and the required explicit or provider-specified TLS option. For SFTP, select the SFTP protocol and use an authorised SSH identity. Enter the actual service port.
- Choose an appropriate login method and enter the complete username. Do not assume the email address or panel username is correct for every account type.
- Connect and inspect any certificate or host-key prompt. Verify unexpected changes with the provider before accepting them.
- Once connected, confirm the remote directory and test a harmless permitted transfer. Save the profile only on a trusted device.
02 Example: create a provider-confirmed SFTP profile
Suppose your service details explicitly provide SFTP access at server1.example.com on port 22 for the user siteuser. Enter those values in Site Manager as follows. These are illustrative values and must be replaced with your actual service details.
| Field | Example value |
|---|---|
| Protocol | SFTP, SSH File Transfer Protocol |
| Host | server1.example.com |
| Port | 22, only because the example service specifies it |
| User | siteuser |
Use the login method authorized for that account and verify the SSH host key against a trusted fingerprint. If the service instead provides FTPS, select FTP with the required TLS mode; entering an FTP-only account under SFTP does not grant SSH access.
Confirm the expected result
The connection log should show the intended secure protocol, and the remote pane should display the expected restricted directory. Check upload and download separately when both are needed.
Why does FileZilla sign in but fail to list files?
If login succeeds but listing fails, inspect passive-transfer or network issues for FTPS rather than changing the password repeatedly. If SFTP is refused, verify SSH eligibility. Do not downgrade to plain FTP as a routine workaround for a TLS or host-key warning.